Alan Shearer believes Liverpool will be confronted with over-inflated price-tags when they go in search of a new goalkeeper.

The ex-Newcastle striker has labelled the Reds as ‘desperate’ after agreeing a club-record £75million deal to sign Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.

After failing to secure their priority target during the summer transfer window, Liverpool have since maintained contact with Saints officials in aid of beating the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea to the Dutchman’s signature.

Shearer has disapproved of the hefty fee and suggested Liverpool will face the same issue when trying to replace Simon Mignolet.

“When Liverpool try and sign a goalkeeper – which they also desperately need – they will find the same thing,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Southampton have got one hell of a deal. Van Dijk is a good player, yes, but for £75m? No, he’s not worth it at all.

“Southampton could have named any price they wanted. They knew Liverpool were absolutely desperate for a centre-half.”

Virgil van Dijk – Image by Sky Sports

“Everyone is aware they are desperate – we have seen them come up short several times this season.”

“We’ve been saying it for a number of years now – that transfer fees have gone through the roof – and this one has taken it to another level.”

If it takes another lucrative price to lure a world class shot-stopper to Anfield, then so be it.

Such a high price would understandably raise eyebrows in previous years, but it should be something football fans are used to by now.

The likes of Manchester City and Chelsea wouldn’t think twice before paying that kind of money for a top target, so why should Liverpool when the club has the money to spend?

Jurgen Klopp was granted a club-record transfer budget at his disposal during the summer and, in one way or another, has seemingly managed to secure each of his top targets.

£75million is arguably equivalent to half the value five years ago, and will hardly put a lasting dent in the club’s finances when considering the money generated by television rights.